Ambrose H. Wong, MD

My journey in medicine began with a profound commitment to healing both the physical and emotional aspects of the human experience. As a practicing emergency physician at NYU Langone, I embody compassion and respect in patient care, particularly in the fast-paced environment of the emergency department, where I value each patient's unique background and perspective.

From the outset of my medical career, I have been dedicated to advancing bedside care, with a particular focus on advocating for patients with behavioral conditions manifesting in psychomotor agitation, which can lead to aggressive or violent actions. I strive to amplify the voices of frontline emergency department personnel and vulnerable patients with mental illness and substance use disorders.

My efforts to enhance the safety and support of patients with psychiatric and behavioral conditions, while concurrently establishing a positive and secure work environment for hospital staff, intersects with a keen awareness of workplace violence and staff safety challenges. During my residency at NYC Health + Hospitals/Bellevue, faced with increasing patient volumes and overcrowding, I was instrumental in developing simulation-based team training that emphasized patient-centered de-escalation techniques while minimizing physical and pharmacologic restraint, to ensure healthcare personnel safety. My pioneering collaboration with hospital police further reduced the use of force and enhanced workplace violence prevention strategies, setting a precedent in the Bellevue Hospital Emergency Department.

I have since gained national recognition for my leadership in agitation management, paving an innovative career in public health focused on behavioral care. My work is distinguished by multiple federal grants and publication in more than 30 leading professional journals addressing violence reduction in healthcare settings through compassionate, patient-centered care approaches.

Through my work, I aspire to strengthen the bond between patients and staff in their most distressed moments, fostering understanding and support within the emergency department's unique collaborative and safety-centered environment.